Spotlight Students

Joan Cotter
Year: Junior.Focus: Minor in Creative Writing.Favorite aspect of the department: The professors in the department are very supportive, and they'll do what they can in order to help you. I also enjoy the creative writing workshops. The workshop style is constructive and it has helped me push myself to be a better writer.Accomplishments: Through Circle K International, I have been inducted into the Society of Distinguished Collegians.Future plans: I will be going grad school right away for counseling psychology. I plan on getting my license to practice as therapist, and I want to specialize in child and family. Of course, I will continue to write!

Laura Kane
Year: SophomoreFocus: Film Studies Minor and Communications MajorFavorite aspect of the department: The department has helped me to understand different aspects of art and film. I watched movies in a whole different emotional state now! I almost live my life through the movie!Future plans: After graduation, I plan to work with non-profit service organizations; hopefully I'll find one related to film!

Emily Teachout
Year: FreshmanFocus: Film StudiesFavorite aspect of the department: You get to experience new things and new cultures through films. This helps me personally just because I'm majoring in history and French.Future plans: I'm majoring in History and French, but I'm still not sure what I plan on doing after school.

Christopher BohinskiFocus: SophomoreFocus: My focus in the department is being accomplished through my independent major. This independent major focuses on music theory and theater.Favorite aspect of the department: I have been able to become successful in these fields because of the different courses I am able to take during my time here at WJU.Accomplishments: Along with being involved in the annual spring musical on two occasions, I have been able to sing at various events on and off campus and act in many of the different plays produced at WJU.Future plans: My future plans after graduation include going to medical school. I want to specialize in nutrition, especially because of my recent weight loss.

Grace Williams
Year: SophomoreFocus: Public Relations and Social AdvocacyFavorite aspect of the department: The small class sizes and the detailed assignments, the flexibility in course requirements, and projects that relate to the real work force.Accomplishments: I have recieved the Gloriam Award, and been on the Dean's list. I have a manager position at the Ratt.Future plans: After graduation, I plan to apply for Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and I eventually want to be an event planner and PR person for a non-profit organization.

Rebecca Olsavsky
Year: Sophomore

Focus: Public Relations/Advertising

Favorite aspect of the department: The Communications professors always work towards preparing students to work in the "real world." They emphasize the importance of being aware of the many ways in which one can communicate.Accomplishments: I have received the Laut Scholarship and am on the Dean's List. In regards to internships, I have worked in the university's PR department, assisting in writing press releases. Also, I interned as Project Manager for a local hospital's web site redesign project.Future plans: After graduation, I plan to find a job, whether in PR or advertising, that allows me to develop the brand of a company.

Shriya AdhikaryYear: SophomoreFocus: Print Journalism/Public RelationsFavorite aspect of the department: The focus on application of skills we learn in the classroom to realistic, professional settings/situations and the professors' willingness to assist students outside of the classroom and go above their call of duty has helped me develop significantly as a communications major. Accomplishments: I have been on the Dean's List since I started at WJU, and I received the Glorium Award this year. This summer I will either be interning with a NGO in D.C. or with a local VA newspaper. Future plans: After graduation, I plan to work for a non-profit organization in their communications/PR department or find a job with a print/online publication.

Christopher Reel
Year: JuniorFocus: Corporate Communications/Pre-LawFavorite aspect of the department: The way the professors relate material to real-world experiences. Gives the students the opportunities to open their minds up as they would within a professional setting.Accomplishments: Gold, Khourey, and Turak Law firm implemented pieces of an advertising campaign that a team including myself created for them. We were recognized not only within the university, but also in the Wheeling newspaper.Future plans: I plan to attend law school after graduating WJU, and from there I plan to pursue a career as a criminal prosecutor.

Ian O'Bara
Year: FreshmanFocus: My focus in the department is film/creative writingFavorite aspect of the department: The fact that the teachers are so helpful is the greatest help to me Accomplishments: I'm going to be the vice president of the Adventure Society next year. Future plans: After graduation I would like to go to graduate school for film and eventually be a screenwriter/director.